Explore · Yelagiri
Is it worththe drive?
Six things on this hill, and what is actually true about each. Written by someone who would rather you enjoyed the trip than booked it.
01
Punganur Lake
The lake in the middle of the valley, with boating and a small park around it.
Go early. The boats fill by mid-morning on a weekend.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
02
Yelagiri Nature Park
A landscaped park with a musical fountain and a children’s play area.
An hour is enough.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
03
Swamimalai Trek
The walk up to the highest point on the hill, through shola forest.
Start before seven. Carry water. It is about two hours up.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
04
Velavan Temple
The Murugan temple on the hill, and the view from its steps.
Footwear comes off at the gate. The stone is hot by noon.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
05
Thrill Valley
The adventure park: zip line, rope course, quad bikes.
Best for teenagers and anyone who still enjoys a harness.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
06
Birds Park
A small aviary near the lake.
Twenty minutes, and usually paired with the lake.
Distance from the hotel is being measured properly before it is printed.
The valley at dusk, photographed in this region. Not a view from the hotel.
Two days is right. One is a drive with a lunch in it.
A weekend, planned
What actually fits in two days.
A working order for a Saturday arrival, built around when each place is best rather than how close it is.
- Saturday, on arrival
- Check in, lunch, the pool
- Saturday, late afternoon
- Punganur Lake and the Birds Park
- Saturday, evening
- The lawns, dinner at the hotel
- Sunday, before seven
- The Swamimalai trek
- Sunday, mid-morning
- The Velavan temple
- Sunday, if there are teenagers
- Thrill Valley
- Sunday, after lunch
- The ghat road down
Entry fees, opening hours and the exact distances are being collected from each site so they can be printed here rather than guessed at.